An antique steam tractor, on display as part of an antique power display at a county fair, suddenly and unexpectedly exploded. Four people were killed instantly and over 50 others were injured. Officer Soika and a reserve officer, Chris Conwill, received serious injuries to their arms and lower bodies from the metal shrapnel, coal, steam and hot water. Both officers were in the hospital for several weeks and required numerous surgeries including skin grafts. The treating physicians agreed that without the body armor, the injuries the officers received would have been much more serious and could have been deadly.
We welcome, Officer Dave Soika, SAVE #1481, to The Safariland Group SAVES CLUB®.